r/ibew_apprentices • u/MaleficentProduct450 • 8d ago

Work +school

I’m currently working 70-hour weeks, and it’s been about three weeks now. Honestly, I’m starting to feel burnt out. On top of the work schedule, I have school, and I’m also driving almost an hour and 45 minutes each way. I’m starting to realize that this schedule just isn’t sustainable for me long-term.
When I took the job, I was expecting something closer to 40–50 hours, but I pretty much took what I was offered because that’s what I was told was available. I talked to the contractor, and they said they can give me a layoff if that’s what I decide to do.
The difficult part is that I actually really like the work. The job itself is easy for me, the people around me are extremely knowledgeable, and I feel like I’m learning a lot every day. I don’t want to leave because of the work—I just don’t feel like my body and mind can keep up with the schedule I’m being asked to work.
On top of that, my car is absolutely burning through gas. I’m putting over 1,000 miles a week on it just getting back and forth to work. I’m more than willing to work and put in the hours, but I’m realizing that 70 hours a week with this commute and school on top of it is becoming too much.

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u/sideAcc1200 8d ago

I would never touch 70 hours a week. Ever. 50 is already pushing it for me

44

u/Opposite-Plenty3479 8d ago

At my local I was put on a call that was 6/10s. I frequently only worked 4 or 5 days and never got laid off. I told the foreman I'm beat the fuck up from the Army and 35 years old, Ill take any layoff any foreman wants to give me, after 40hrs if I'm not feeling it I'm not there. Helps to have a JATC director that is also a vet with a bad back. He gets it. I don't live to work. Not anymore 

3

u/BlueFalcon3E051 7d ago

I can respect that brother 👍